IRVINE, California – A SigAlert was issued Tuesday morning at Von Karman Avenue and Michelson Drive after a 28-year-old bicyclist was struck down by a vehicle in the early morning commute about 8 a.m., according to the Irvine Police Department.

The man, who was later identified as Christian Rhineer, was transported by paramedics to a nearby hospital to be treated for what was described as severe injuries, police said. Rhineer died several hours later at 6:30 p.m. Traffic was held up for several hours while police investigated the incident. – according to a Orange County Register news report.

Bicycle Accident and Car Accident Statistics

There were 618 cyclists killed and 51,000 injured across the United States in 2010, according to the most recent statistics compiled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

In California, overall fatal traffic accidents were down 12% to 2,715 deaths in 2010 compared to 3,090 killed in 2009, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, national statistics show that traffic fatalities have declined in recent years across the United States, down roughly 3% to 32,885 deaths in 2010 compared to 33,883 killed in 2009.

“Bicyclists are especially vulnerable when they are riding during early morning and evening commutes because drivers are in a hurry and can be less focused on the roadways,” said Attorney West Seegmiller, founder of the Seegmiller Law Firm. “Most of the time some sort of human error is responsible for car accidents.  Sometimes errors are innocent and other times they are reckless.”

Police investigate every bicycle accident involving a death to determine the cause of a crash, Seegmiller explains. The investigation will seek to find out if either the driver or the bicyclist was under the influence of alcohol, distracted or if there were any circumstances that may have led to the crash that were illegal or reckless.

The Seegmiller Law Firm: Bicycle Accident specialists

If you have been injured in a California bicycle accident by a negligent driver you may need a personal injury law firm to help you get compensated for the cost of treating your injuries, rehabilitation, ongoing medical needs and time lost fro work. For roughly 30 years, the legal experts at Seegmiller Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients injured in serious traffic accidents.

Indeed, the bicycle accident law firm has a proven track record supported by settlements ranging from several thousand dollars to millions.

Seegmiller is a California Personal Injury Law Firm with a track record of proven results. There is no cost to clients until our experienced team of lawyers and legal professionals have won your case. Finding the best bicycle accident attorney can mean you will get the settlement you need to get your life back on track. Compensation for your injuries, loss of wages and pain and suffering can’t take away the trauma of the car or bicycle accident, but it can help you rebuild your life.

Call us today at 1-877-426-0695 to speak with our car accident law firm. Seegmiller Law Firm has offices in California including its headquarters in Irvine. We also have offices outside of Orange County to serve you in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and in Las Vegas, Nevada.